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Multiple copper wire thefts under investigation in Yavapai County

01/08/18

YAVAPAI COUNTY – The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release on Dec. 20 regarding a copper wire theft at Cold Water Canyon and I-17 in Black Canyon City. Since the original release was issued, the media office was notified about several additional cases of wire theft occurring recently in Yavapai County.

YCSO and Arizona Department of Transportation officials are asking the public to remain alert for suspicious activity when travelling during the late night/early morning hours, especially along major roadways where side streets or on/off ramps intersect under overhead lights. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau are consolidating these incidents and working with law enforcement partners in an attempt to identify and locate suspects.

Additional copper wire thefts:
Sept. 7, 2017: Prescott Valley – ADOT reported more than 8,600 feet of copper wire stolen from junction boxes north and south of Lakeshore Drive at Fain Road. These boxes supply power for the street lamps along the east side of Fain Road. Dollar loss estimate, including labor to reinstall, was placed at $10,000.

Sept. 20, 2017: Prescott Valley – Same area as Sept. 7 Prescott Valley theft, except targeting the west side of the roadway. ADOT reported more than 15,000 feet of 8-gauge copper wire stolen from the streetlight array at the intersection of Fain Road and Lakeshore Drive. Dollar loss estimated at $9,350.

Nov. 13: Prescott Valley – ADOT reported the theft of 8,000 feet of copper wire from junction boxes between Granite Dells and Great Western Drive in Prescott Valley. Loss estimated at $5,000.

Dec. 18: Seligman – ADOT reported the theft of 600 feet of 8-gauge copper wire covered with black insulation. The theft likely occurred sometime in recent weeks at the west bound on ramp for 40 in Seligman involving wiring for street lights. Loss estimate not provided.

Additionally, Prescott Valley Police Department has at least one additional copper wire theft case reported, as does the Yavapai Tribal Police involving a theft near the VA Hospital on Highway 89 in November or December of this year.

If anyone has information on these thefts, call the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 771-3260 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1(800) 932-3232. A tip to Silent Witness leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in this case becomes eligible for a cash reward.